Locals bikers challenge The Clan!

22 April 2013

LOCAL youngsters gave Scotland's top biking stars a run for their money at the first ever Black Isle Bike Fest on Saturday.

There were thrills, spills and fun galore as around 600 cycling enthusiasts gathered at the Fortrose Leisure Centre for a mammoth celebration of all things cycling.

Aronn Goode, 14 from Culbokie and 15-year old Derek Linden from Inverness showed ‘amazing promise’ when they took on biking champs Duncan Shaw and Alastair ‘Ali C’ Clarkson of The Clan Team in two-wheeled high jump challenge.

The gutsy young riders both jumped over a metre, and Aronn matched the pros when he cleared 105cm from a standing start.

“These young guys were brilliant - there’s obviously some incredibly promising talent in this part of the world,” said Iain Withers, manager of The Clan.  “I think Aronn and Derek will definitely be names to look out for in the future.

“The community vibe here on the Black Isle is awesome - it’s great to see local people behind such a forward thinking initiative,” he added.

Aronn, a pupil at Fortrose Academy said he was delighted to have held his own against The Clan, which features some of the finest biking talent in the country.

“I’ve never jumped that high before and am really proud to have cleared the same height as Ali C,” he said.  “It was magic. I’ve been practicing for about two and a half years, using pallets set up in the garden.”

His friend Derek, a pupil at Inverness High School, added: “Challenging The Clan guys was great, apart from when I fell over at the end!”

Duncan Shaw, originally from Inverness, was one of two former British Trials champions riding for  The Clan.  The renowned stunt team was formed in 2008 by youtube sensation Danny MacAskill, who went on to become one of the most famous cyclists in the world.

“It’s great to be back in my home area - the Black Isle Bike fest is really cool,” Duncan said. “There are some amazing local riders here and it was excellent to see so many kids of all ages having fun on their bikes.”

A stream of plucky locals had a go at riding into the airbag - a giant inflatable mat which enables thrill seekers to try out new tricks with the reassurance of a soft landing.

From daredevil stunts to tiny tots trying out two wheels, unicycles and tandems to pedal powered smoothies, the festival was a dynamic day out for bike fans of all ages.

“We’re absolutely delighted, it was a great afternoon and the crowd was fantastic,” said Million Miles project officer Marion McDonald.  “It was brilliant to see so much bike activity going on, with folk from toddlers to grannies trying out tandems, unicycles, electric bikes and toddle bikes.

“Special thanks to our funders Awards for All and the Co-operative Membership Commmunity Fund for making it all possible.

“The Million Miles team will be organising a wide range of local cycling events and activities throughout the Black Isle over the coming months,” Marion added. “If you were inspired by Bike Fest but need a little more training or just a bit of company to encourage you to get out on your bike then get in touch.”

The latest events programme is available here.  The Million Miles team can be contacted at millionmiles@transitionblackisle.org tel:07715663781.